By Guy Taylor Aim-listed defence group Cohort has reported a record year for orders as it cashed in on a global boom in military spending. The firm said it secured a closing order book of £518.7m last year, its highest ever and stretching to at least 2037. “Based on trading and order intake to date, we expect the first half trading performance to be significantly ahead of the same period last year,” Cohort said in a statement to markets. It added that there was significant optimism about future prospects for new orders, “given the demand for our products and services” from both domestic and ex…